Fungal Species:  Inonotus obliquus

Immune regulatory functions of biologically active proteins from edible fungi

This research compared how proteins from 22 different edible mushrooms affect immune system cells called macrophages. The study found that all the mushroom proteins tested boosted immune function by making macrophages more active and productive. Interestingly, expensive rare mushrooms like cordyceps and ganoderma lucidum had stronger immune-boosting effects than common grocery store mushrooms like oyster and button mushrooms.

Read More »

From Nature to Design: Tailoring Pure Mycelial Materials for the Needs of Tomorrow

Scientists are developing new materials made from mushroom mycelium that could replace leather, foam, and plastic products. These fungal-based materials grow on simple agricultural waste, are completely biodegradable, and have a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional materials. Companies like MycoWorks are already producing mycelium leather for major fashion brands, showing this technology is moving from laboratories into real products.

Read More »

Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from the Edible-Medicinal Macrofungi

This comprehensive review examines over 270 bioactive compounds from edible and medicinal mushrooms, showing they have remarkable potential to treat various diseases. These mushroom-derived substances demonstrate effectiveness against cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and infections while having fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Families like reishi and shiitake mushrooms are particularly rich sources of these healing compounds. The research suggests mushrooms are valuable natural resources for developing new therapeutic treatments.

Read More »

Biologically active secondary metabolites from white-rot fungi

White-rot fungi are special mushrooms that can break down wood and produce unique chemical compounds with amazing health benefits. These compounds have been found to fight cancer, kill harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Scientists are excited about using these natural fungal compounds to create new medicines and treat various diseases in the future.

Read More »

Screening and identifying natural products with SARS-CoV-2 infection inhibitory activity from medicinal fungi

Researchers screened 167 extracts from 36 medicinal fungi to find natural compounds that could fight COVID-19. They discovered that certain fungi, particularly Inonotus obliquus and Pholiota adiposa, contain polysaccharides that effectively block the virus from infecting cells. These natural compounds showed promise as potential safe alternatives for developing new COVID-19 treatments and may have applications against other viral diseases.

Read More »

Polysaccharides from fungi: A review on their extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities

Mushrooms contain special compounds called polysaccharides that have powerful health benefits. Scientists have found these polysaccharides can help fight cancer, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and manage diabetes. This review explains different ways to extract and purify these beneficial compounds from mushrooms and describes how they work in the body to provide these health benefits.

Read More »

Phylogenetic Analysis and Nutritional Evaluation of Laetiporus Species in Korea

Researchers in Korea identified that ‘chicken of the woods’ mushrooms growing in the region are actually two specific species: Laetiporus versisporus and Laetiporus cremeiporus, not the species previously thought. These mushrooms are nutritionally impressive, containing substantial protein (9-18% depending on species) and high levels of beneficial β-glucans (15-35%), making them promising candidates as sustainable meat alternatives and functional food ingredients.

Read More »

Chemical Content and Cytotoxic Activity on Various Cancer Cell Lines of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Growing on Betula pendula and Betula pubescens

This study examined chaga mushroom, a traditional medicine used against cancer, grown on two types of birch trees. Researchers tested chaga extracts on 31 different cancer cell types and found they were moderately effective at inhibiting cancer cell growth, particularly against liver and thyroid cancers. The chaga from silver birch (B. pendula) worked slightly better than that from downy birch (B. pubescens) due to higher levels of a compound called inotodiol.

Read More »

Towards engineering agaricomycete fungi for terpenoid production

Mushroom-forming fungi, particularly species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms, naturally produce valuable compounds called terpenoids used in medicines, food, and cosmetics. Scientists are learning to genetically engineer these fungi to produce even larger amounts of these beneficial compounds, potentially making them as important to biotechnology as baker’s yeast and mold have been historically. This could create new sustainable sources for medicinal compounds and industrial chemicals.

Read More »
Scroll to Top